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Japanese PM Resigns

Fukuda hopes move will clear parliamentary gridlock

By Nick McMaster, Newser Staff

Posted Sep 1, 2008 11:42 AM CDT

(Newser) – Yasuo Fukuda has resigned as Japan’s prime minister, the AP reports. Fukuda said he was stepping down to ensure that a special session of parliament to address the economy runs smoothly. Fukuda, whose approval rating is at 29% after less than a year in office, has presided over a split parliament, which has caused bitter legislative gridlock for most of his term.

"The Democratic Party has tried to stall every bill so it has taken a long time to implement any policies,” Fukuda, 72, charged today. The Japanese economy contracted in the second quarter, hit by low consumer spending and high food and fuel prices. Fukuda said he hopes his absence will speed the implementation of a planned economic stimulus package.

[Images (4)]

[Quotes (1)]

Japan's Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda bows as he wraps up his impromptu press conference at the Prime Minister's official residence in Tokyo on Monday September 1, 2008. (AP Photo/Kyodo News, Akihiko Chujo)

Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda leaves after a press conference to announce his resignation in Tokyo Monday, Sept. 1, 2008. (AP Photo/Toru Takahashi)

Japanese PM Yasuo Fukuda bows in front of the main altar during a memorial service at the Budokan martial arts hall in Tokyo Aug. 15, 2008, the 63rd anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II. (AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi)

Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda announces his resignation during a press conference at his official residence in Tokyo Monday, Sept. 1, 2008. (AP Photo/Toru Takahashi)

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I felt that we must particularly stress the importance of the economy. If it will help even a little bit to make the parliamentary session go smoother, I decided that it might be better for someone other than me to lead.
- Yasuo Fukuda

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Japanese PM Resigns